Late and post glacial sea-level changes of the Indo-Pacific: a review

Holocene sea-level reconstructions exist from many locations in the Indo-Pacific region. Despite being a large
geographical region, the nature of Holocene sea-level change is broadly similar in all locations. Differences do
exist, however, in the timing and magnitude of the Mid-Holocene High Stand (MHHS) and the nature of late
Holocene sea level fall across the region. When the Indo-Pacific is subdivided into smaller regions, these
discrepancies do not disappear, and in some cases the discrepancies are large within a single coastline.
It is clear from this analysis that the fundamental criteria to produce accurate local relative sea-level curves are
hardly ever met. There are serious problems associated with the correct interpretation of sea-level indicators
and their relationship to mean sea level, and with the quality of age determinations. A consistent methodology
throughout the Indo-Pacific for the analysis of sea level data is lacking. Future sea-level analysis from far field
locations must involve the application of a consistent methodology in order to allow meaningful comparison
between studies. This should help to resolve the ongoing debate about the magnitude and timing of the MidHolocene
High Stand, and the nature of late Holocene sea-level fall across the region.